Poor air quality warning

11 Nov 2019

Residents with respiratory conditions in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District are being urged to take extra care as poor air quality due to bushfires may affect their breathing.

NBMLHD Director Public Health, Associate Professor Bradley Forssman is advising people to take precautions and stay indoors to avoid irritations to the eyes, nose and throat, and aggravating existing lung and heart conditions.

Small children, the elderly and people who have heart or lung disease including asthma are most susceptible to experiencing health effects from air pollution and excessive smoke.

Associate Professor Forssman suggests a range of simple tips to help stay safe and healthy during the smoke/poor air quality:

People with asthma, heart disease and other lung and heart conditions should avoid vigorous outdoor physical activity when smoke is around.

Stay indoors with the doors and windows kept shut to reduce exposure to smoke.

People with asthma or a lung condition should follow their Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Action Plan and carry their reliever medication with them. If your symptoms do not settle, seek medical advice.

In case of emergency always dial Triple Zero.

If smoky conditions are prolonged for several days or more:

Keep doors and windows of your home closed while smoke is about and take advantage of any breaks in the smoky conditions to air out your home.

If possible, spend some time in air-conditioning with the air-conditioner set to recirculate indoor air.